The UK government has launched a recruitment drive to enlist 2,000 new magistrates over the next year, aiming to tackle mounting court backlogs and improve access to justice across England and Wales.
Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy described magistrates as “everyday heroes” who play a vital role in hearing thousands of cases across criminal, youth, civil, and family proceedings. Lammy urged citizens of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer, highlighting that magistrates help deliver justice while representing their local communities. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 13 days a year, with support from specialist legal advisers to navigate complex cases.
The recruitment push comes alongside wider court reforms, including proposals to increase magistrates’ sentencing powers from 12 to 18 months and plans to limit jury trials for defendants likely to receive sentences of three years or less—a move that has sparked political debate. While the Magistrates’ Association called the drive a “big vote of confidence,” critics, including senior opposition figures, warned that these reforms risk undermining public confidence without addressing deeper systemic issues in the justice system.